Side-Stripe Teal Cord Trousers

Side-Stripe Teal Cord Trousers

For my latest sewing project, I used the Fibremood Opal pattern to make some side-stripe teal cord trousers. It’s the second time that I’ve sewn this pattern. The first time around used a lightweight linen blend for Summer wear (see here), but living in the UK means I have a greater need for fabrics suited for transitional weather.

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I bought the wide wale corduroy from Sewmesunshine. It’s lovely and soft with quite a deep pile to the fabric. And the colour, oh the colour…I love it! It’s such a beautiful teal/aqua shade. As soon as I saw it I knew I didn’t want to put a bulky fly zipper in at the front, instead, I wanted a more streamlined shape. So the obvious choice was the Opal trousers. I like the side zip and curved waistband that’s nice and flat.

Having made the pattern up once before, I didn’t need to make any more pattern adjustments so it made a nice change to just get stuck in and start cutting and sewing.

But you know what’s coming next, don’t you? Yup, that’s right…I had to add a fun unique detail ๐Ÿ™‚ The lovely wide wales on the corduroy changed colour depending on how they lay and how the light caught them and when folded cross-grain the wales made a cute little bumpy edge. So I decided to add a side stripe using the fabric cut cross-grain.

I always like to think ahead and the possibility that there might be a future need for some side seam adjustment if my weight fluctuates. With this in mind, I set the stripe on the front legs a little way in from the side seams. I carefully pressed the strips of fabric then basted the edges, then basted down both sides of each stripe applying them to the front legs. 4 rows of basting altogether (no way was I going to have wonky stripes!). The final machining process went smoothly and I love the result so much.

Side-Stripe Teal Cord Trousers
Side-Stripe Teal Cord Trousers

Once the stripes were done I carried on sewing up the trousers. I didn’t have an invisible zip so I just went with a regular one and I did a sort of statement button loop to close the waistband. For a final bit of inside detail, I bound the waistband and sides of the zip with some bold coral/orange paisley lining. I think the contrast with the pretty teal aqua shade is lovely.

As I already mentioned, this fabric has a slightly longer pile than some corduroys that I’ve worked with so I had to be mindful of this when I pressed it. I used a needle board pressing tool that Mum gave me a few years ago. It’s like a little bed of short needles and you put the fabric face down on it to press it. Such a nifty little gadget. I did a quick search online and saw a few places that stocked them. Here’s one from MacCulloch and Wallis. But be warned they aren’t cheap. I did come across a used one on eBay so it’s worth searching around.

Side-Stripe Teal Cord Trousers.
Back view
Side-Stripe Teal Cord Trousers

I love how these trousers turned out. It was one of those projects that I was keen to start the minute I got the fabric because I loved the colour so much. I want to introduce more of this shade into my wardrobe, but finding the perfect shade isn’t that easy as it can’t be too blue or too green…I know, fussy right? ๐Ÿ™‚

Thanks for stopping by for a read and I’ll see you soon!

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6 Comments

  1. March 22, 2025 / 8:22 am

    I love the colour, and the side stripe is a great idea, it adds a really unique feature. The fit, as always, is spot on.

    • Diane
      Author
      March 22, 2025 / 10:35 am

      Thanks ever so much, Helen. glad you like them.

  2. Di
    March 22, 2025 / 9:05 pm

    They look superb. Love the colour, fit and style on you. Love it!

    • Diane
      Author
      March 23, 2025 / 11:36 am

      Ahh, thanks so much Di. ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. Joan
    March 22, 2025 / 9:47 pm

    Diane, These new trousers are the Cat’s Meow โ€” WOW! So slimming and lengthening with your boots and this teal color (with your Marcy Tilton knit top that I love) is fantastic on you โ€” SO flattering for your coloring!

    I love your distinctive, yet subtle side stripe: that really adds a custom and elegant touch!

    I love this outfit!

    • Diane
      Author
      March 23, 2025 / 11:37 am

      What a lovely comment, thank you Joan!

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